Beehive frame



Patented Dec. 8, 1925.-

uN TEDfsTAT-Es enonen GORDONFRATER, OF WATER/TOWN, WISCVONISIN,.,ASSIGNOR To e. BfLnWIs COMPANY, or WATERTOWN, wIsooNsrN, .A5.( J0ZBP0RATIO1\I or .wrsoonsrn.

BEEHIVE I FRAME.

Applieationbfiled August 4,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Gnoaon' GORDON FRAIER, a citizen of the United States, and resident of lVatertown, in the county of Jefferson and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Beehive Frames, of which the following is a description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, which is a part of this specification. I

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in bee hive appliances, and refers more particularly to a hive frame adapted for use in connection with wire brood foundations.

lVhen bees cluster on the foundation, the heat of their bodies results in the stretching or expanding thereof, and in the event this stretch or expansion is not accommodated, the foundation buckles producing what is termed a drone comb. Having this in mind, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide means for securing a foundation within the frame in such a manner as to accommodate the expansion or stretching of the foundation and thus eliminate buckling thereof.

In the type of frames now commonly employed, it is impossible to completely fill the frame. with a sheet of foundation without causing defects in the comb produced and a further object of this invention resides in the provision of means whereby a sheet of foundation may be secured in the frame to completely fill the same. a

A still further object of this invention resides in the provision of a slotted bottom bar for a hive frame in which the lower end of the foundation is disposed to freely permit its stretching or expansion without buckling of the foundation.

lVith the above and other objects inview which will appear as the description proceeds, my invention resides in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts substantially as hereinafter described and more particularly defined by the appended claim, it being understood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention may be madeas come within the scope of the claim.

In the accompanying drawing, I have illustrated one complete example of the physi- 1922. Serial No. 579,641.

cal embodiment of my invention constructed according to the best mode Ihave so far deyised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

Figure 1 is a, view of the lower portion of a frame embodying my invention, a part thereof being broken away to more clearly illustrate details of construction, and

Figure 2 is a topview of the improved bottom bar detached from the frame.

In the bee industry, it is desirable. to pro heat of their bodies causes the expansion thereof. As a result of this buckling, imperfect combs are produced and consequently much loss occasioned. v r

In the drawing is illustrated a frame structure which experience has proven completel; compensates or accommodates for all stretching of the foundation which is illustrated as consisting of a sheet of comb foundation 5 reinforced at intervals by heavy wires 6 and secured in a frame 7 including side, top and bottom bars 8, 9 and 10, respectively.

' In this formed from a single strip of material and has a central, longitudinal slot 11 extending throughout substantially the entire length invention, the bottom bar 10 isthereof into which the lower end of the foundation is projected. Thefoundation is properly secured to the side and top bars I and by reason of the lower end being free, any expansion or stretching is accommodated, as Will be readily apparent to thus eliminate any buckling of the foundationto thus insure the production of perfect combs.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing,

provided for attachment by the bees of the foundation sheet to the frame as they build up the comb after the foundation sheet has fully fstretched or expanded, so that the 5 frame with the comb therein may be readily handled Without fear of damage.

VVhatI claim as my invention is: A device of-the character described, comprising a frame including top, bottom and side bars, the bottom bar having a slot cut therein throughout the inside length of the frame and a foundation suspended from the top bar with itsloWer end hanging freely in the bottom bar slot, whereby expansion of the foundation is accommodated.

In testimony whereof 'I'afliX my slgnatui'e.

GEORGE GORDON FRATER. 

